5.

"Ieyui

Nobomeno

Renmiri

Yojuyogo

Hasatekanae

Kutamae"

The words of the prayer resounded in Seymour's mind.

Pray, Yu-Yevon

Dream, Praying Child

Until eternity, bring glory

For the first time he really believed in the song… he bowed down in prayer and looked up at the icy flames. For the first time in his life, his prayer altered.

"Fayth, give me strength, hear my prayer. Save my friends. Give them the fulfilment of their destiny. I know they will die, I cannot change that. But if they only could succeed… it would give meaning to their suffering. They would have fulfilled a purpose… lease do it for them."

He then realised- that was the first time in his life he had prayed for anyone but himself. Even when his mother was dying, he had prayed for his own happiness, but now… now all he wanted was the promise of the safety of Belgemine and her followers. Could it be that he was changing? He couldn't contemplate it… after all these years, was the resentment he felt towards the world decreasing?

"It is done. Belgemine has received Shiva."

Seymour looked up to see Averus looking down at him. "Then you will leave?"

"Yes. We're ready."

Seymour stood and prayed to him. "I pray only for your success. I know it means a lot to you."

Averus laughed and prayed back. "When we come back you can give us a big party back in Guadosalam, eh? I'll teach you how to Blitz and everything!"

A young female Guado came up beside them. "Ha! Saimouri can't Blitz! You should have seen him when he first tried. He was worse than me!"

The young girl walked off and Seymour blushed brilliantly. Averus shot him a quizzical look. "Saimouri?"

"Yes. It's my pet name. I went to school with that girl. She must have heard my mother call me it."

"It's kinda cool. Saimouri. Heh! I like it. Can I call you that?"

Seymour grinned. "I would be honoured. It is a name I associate with friendship!"

Averus laughed heartily. "Cool, Saimouri! And by the way, were you really that bad a Blitzer?"

He laughed slightly. "I believe I was."

"No worries! If I teach ya, you can't go wrong! I'm the star player of the Luca Goers! I'm hoping my son will live up to me when I'm…"

Gone…

"What's your son's name?" asked Seymour curiously, surprised at the outburst.

"He's called Graav. He's quite the little star, I'm telling ya! He's only eleven, but he's already well on the way to being as great as his old man!"

Seymour frowned. "Old man! You can't be-"

"Well, no. I'm twenty eight. Had my son young, you know? I miss him…"

"I'm not surprised." Said Seymour, pausing to think… How could Averus leave a young child, knowing he may not return? Surely that was… irresponsible?

"Maybe I can meet him someday?" asked Seymour, noticing the rest of the group emerging from one of the side rooms.

"Sure, Saimouri! He'll be there at the big party you're gonna organise! I'll get the whole of Luca down there! It'll be remembered in Guadosalam for eons!"

"That's enough Averus" he heard the distinct voice of Belgemine call. She approached Seymour and prayed. He prayed back.

"So you are leaving, Lady Belgemine?"

"Yes. We must go now. I cannot say how grateful I am to you. Your hospitality over the last few days has been most generous. You will go far, Seymour. I can tell."

Seymour smiled and kissed her hand softly. "It was an honour to have met you, my Lady. And all of you." He added looking at the other three. "I have never met people like you. You have all taught me so much about a lot of things… myself, life, what it is to live. I thank you."

He bowed down in prayer to them and they returned the compliment. Belgemine took one last look at him and exited the temple. Seymour knew he would never see her again.

Touka approached him, smiling in his strange little way. "Seems this is it, Seymour. I only wish it could have been longer!"

Seymour smiled back. "You always knew what you had to do. Don't lose sight of it now!"

"I won't. It's a worthwhile cause, don't you think?"

"Yes. You shall be a hero, Touka. The people will remember you always."

Touka laughed. "A hero! I never even thought of it like that! A simple Kilikan, a Hero! Well, that does sound appealing… Thankyou Seymour." He shook his hand warmly. "These last few days have been a pleasure."

"I feel the same way." Seymour said as Touka exited the Temple. Averus came towards him and patted his back enthusiastically.

"So, Saimouri, guess this is it! Wish us luck, eh?!"

Seymour laughed at him. "An optimist until the end, Averus?"

"Yup. Beats getting down! Besides, this isn't the end! This is the beginning!"

He crossed over to the exit and bounded out. Seymour stared at the last one. Behelkhia.

Slowly she approached him. She extended her arms and brought him into a close hug. He stroked her head fondly, wanting her to stay there forever.

"You… are great man, Seymour Guado. Greatest Friend. Best Friend."

He smiled as a small tear escaped him. "You're my best friend too, Behel."

She broke away and laughed through her tears. "When this over, remember me."

"Perhaps you will return to me someday."

"Perhaps." She laughed, turning towards the exit. "Goodbye, Seymour Guado."

"Goodbye, Behelkhia Ronso."